Unmanned Systems » Newshttp://tech.opensystemsmedia.com/unmanned-systems
Welcome to the Unmanned Systems TechChannel, where you will receive breaking news and industry want-to-knows, relative to cutting-edge unmanned technologies used by the military embedded defense technology realm. Key topics include unmanned vehicles such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs), Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), and autonomous vehicles, among others. We also bring you the latest on other unmanned technologies like UAV ground control stations, robotics, drones, and much more. We'll relay the latest from AUVSI and other pertinent industry consortia, individuals, and companies.Thu, 15 Mar 2018 16:42:56 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.3Endeavor Robotics receives $9.2 million order for its small unmanned ground vehicleshttp://mil-embedded.com/news/endeavor-robotics-receives-9-2-million-order-for-its-small-unmanned-ground-vehicles/
http://mil-embedded.com/news/endeavor-robotics-receives-9-2-million-order-for-its-small-unmanned-ground-vehicles/#commentsThu, 15 Mar 2018 16:39:49 +0000Mariana Iriarte, Technology Editorhttp://tech.opensystemsmedia.com/unmanned-systems/?guid=73371eaeb59d222ba3e40174ce22dd04The contract with Defense Logistic Agency (DLA) follows a previous $15 million contract for UGVs in 2017. The latest SUGVs being delivered to the Marine Corps come equipped with Endeavor Robotics’ uPoint Multi-Robot Control System. uPoint sharply reduces operator training time by leveraging interoperable technology and familiar tablet-based user-interfaces. Through the integration of mesh networking radios and uPoint controllers, Marines can now control and observe multiple SUGV robot assets simultaneously to far greater ranges than ever before.

The Endeavor Robotics uPoint Multi-Robot Control System consists of an Android-based, rugged, tablet controller and the Persistent Systems, LLC, MPU5 Radio network. uPoint and the MPU5 Radio network have been integrated across Endeavor’s family of man-transportable robot solutions, including FirstLook, SUGV, and PackBot.

]]>http://mil-embedded.com/news/endeavor-robotics-receives-9-2-million-order-for-its-small-unmanned-ground-vehicles/feed/atom/0Companies finalize alliance for small-sat manufacturehttp://mil-embedded.com/news/companies-finalize-alliance-for-small-sat-manufacture/
http://mil-embedded.com/news/companies-finalize-alliance-for-small-sat-manufacture/#commentsThu, 15 Mar 2018 12:06:44 +0000Lisa Daigle, Assistant Managing Editorhttp://tech.opensystemsmedia.com/unmanned-systems/?guid=05abcaabdec00b60d29be3dc4bb89353This investment is part of an overall fundraising effort of $150 million from several sources, some of which are The Space Alliance, existing investors, and Mitsui & Co., Ltd., one of the largest general trading companies in Japan.

BlackSky, the geospatial intelligence company of Spaceflight Industries, is now underway toward fulfulling its mission of deployment of a high revisit rate earth imaging constellation; this constellation is aimed at delivering global monitoring solutions and geospatial activity-based intelligence products and services. BlackSky’s first four global next-generation satellites are slated to launch during the next year or so.

The latest round of funding, according to Thales, ensures production and launch of an additional 20 global satellites, all of which are planned to be in orbit by 2020. This group of small satellites is expected to generate revenues in order to enable the production and launch of the full 60-satellite constellation.

The onboard Mantis i45 electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) gimbal sensor suite, according to Aerovironment materials, delivers improved imaging capabilities to give military users world-class intelliegence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities comparable to platforms many times the size and cost of Puma AE. In operations, the Mantis i45 can lower the likelihood of detection by increasing the distance between the UAS and areas it is observing; additionally, its high-resolution imagery also aids in target analysis, positive identification, and enables operators to identify threats to friendly forces more effectively.

Puma AE carries an enhanced precision navigation system with secondary GPS to provide positional accuracy and reliability. Moreover, AeroVironment’s common ground control system enables the UAV operator to control the small craft manually or program it for GPS-based autonomous navigation.

]]>http://mil-embedded.com/news/aerovironment-uas-deal-with-middle-east-country-worth-44-5-million/feed/atom/0NASA taps into small businesses for tech development, researchhttp://mil-embedded.com/news/nasa-taps-into-small-businesses-for-tech-development-research/
http://mil-embedded.com/news/nasa-taps-into-small-businesses-for-tech-development-research/#commentsThu, 08 Mar 2018 16:29:05 +0000Mariana Iriarte, Technology Editorhttp://tech.opensystemsmedia.com/unmanned-systems/?guid=b31874b1dfee70c9184e9edb1b4c13c1NASA officials say proposals were selected according to their technical merit and feasibility, in addition to the experience, qualifications and facilities of the submitting organization. Additional criteria included effectiveness of the work plan and commercial potential.

The selected proposals will support the development of technologies in the areas of aeronautics, human space exploration and operations, science and space technology. Awards cover a breadth of research and development needs, such as:

Solid-state oxygen concentrator and compressor designed to minimize hardware mass, volume and power footprint, while still performing at the required capabilities. This technology concentrates the oxygen within future crewed space environments, providing the required concentration of oxygen to crew members, while minimizing weight.

Sensors and camera for detecting and tracking near-Earth asteroids, to help scientists detect, count and track near-Earth asteroids. These asteroids are mostly dark, small and cold and are best detected in the very long-wave infrared wavelengths greater than 12 microns, where they glow brightest.

New wheel concept for enhanced surface mobility to emulate the behavior of a variable pressure tire without the need or risk of an inflation system. This wheel can benefit future NASA planetary exploration missions to the Moon and Mars by enhancing the mobility and controllability of surface exploration rovers and future vehicles.

Only small businesses awarded a Phase I contract are eligible to submit a proposal for a Phase II funding agreement. Phase II is focused on the development, demonstration and delivery of the innovation. Phase II projects are chosen as a result of competitive evaluations and based on selection criteria provided in the Solicitation. Phase II contracts last for 24 months with a maximum funding of $750,000.

Phase I work and results provide a sound basis for the continued development, demonstration and delivery of the proposed innovation in Phase II and follow-on efforts. Phase III is the commercialization of innovative technologies, products, and services resulting from either a Phase I or Phase II contract.

Lockheed Martin officials describe HELIOS as the combination of three key capabilities, brought together for the first time in one weapon system: First, a high-energy fiber laser designed to counter UASs and small boats. The cooling system will be designed for maximum adaptability aboard ships.

HELIOS will also carry a long-range ISR capability, which will be one part of an integrated weapon system aimed at providing decision-makers with maximum access to information; data gleaned from HELIOS will be available on the Lockheed Martin-led Aegis Combat System.

Lastly, the HELIOS will be equipped with a counter-UAS dazzler, which will use intense directed radiation to temporarily disable its target and obscure adversarial UAS-based ISR capabilities.

The initial phase of the U.S. Navy’s Surface Navy Laser Weapon System program will see Lockheed Martin deliver two units for testing by fiscal year 2020; one of the units will be slated for shipboard integration on an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, while the other unit will be used for land testing at White Sands Missile Range.

Aircraft and related systems funding includes procurement of 77 F-35, 24 F/A18E/F jets, 39 logistics and support aircraft, 191 rotary wing aircraft, and 66 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). In addition, this category’s funding provides for the development of aircraft related technology, the procurement of aerospace
equipment and systems, various modifications to existing aircraft, and the procurement of initial spares.. Program highlights are below. To read the entire booklet, click here.

MANNED PLATFORMS: Fixed-wing programs

The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) consists of three variants: the F-35A Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL), the F-35B Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL), and the F-35C Carrier variant (CV). FY 2019 Program: Continues systems engineering, development and operational testing, and supports Continuous Capability Development and Delivery (C2D2) to provide incremental warfighting capability improvements to maintain joint air dominance against evolving threats. Procures 77 aircraft in FY 2019: 48 CTOL for the Air Force, 20 STOVL for the Marine Corps, and 9 CV for the Navy. FY 2019 funding requested is $10.693 billion down only slightly from $10.838 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The F-15 program consists of the F-15C/D, a twin engine (F-15C single seat; F-15D dual seat), supersonic, all-weather, day/night, air superiority fighter and The F-15E, a twin engine, two seat,supersonic dual-role, day/night, all-weather, deep interdiction fighter with multi-role air-to-air capabilities. The FY 2019 program continues funding for the F-15E Radar Modernization Program (RMP), which replaces the legacy radar using existing technology from other aviation platforms and solves parts obsolescence problems to provide improved reliability and performance (increased synthetic aperture radar range and resolution), including air-to-air and air-to-ground modes. It also continues the F-15 C/D radar upgrade program, which replaces the mechanically-scanned antenna on F-15C/D aircraft with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) and technology maturation efforts for the aircraft’s Passive/Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) which is intended to improve F-15E survivability by enhancing the ability to detect, deny, or defeat air and ground threats. The FY 2019 program also provides for the development of an Infrared Search and Track System intended to provide an air-to-air targeting capability in a radar denied environment. FY 2019 funding requested is $1.067 billion up from $963 million in the FY 2018 request.

The P–8A Poseidon is multi-mission platform designed to replace the P-3C Orion propeller driven aircraft. The FY 2019 program calls for procurement of ten P-8A aircraft, support equipment, spares, and advance procurement for FY 2020 aircraft. Continues research and development on the P-8A capabilities to meet the ASW, ASuW, and ISR objectives that will be delivered incrementally while full rate production continues for the baseline aircraft. FY 2019 funding requested is $2.219 billion up from $1.609 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is a carrier-based multi-role tactical fighter and attack aircraft. Two versions are being produced: the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model. The FY 2019 program procures 24 E/F model aircraft and advance procurement for future aircraft as part of multiyear procurement contract (FY 2019 – FY 2021). FY 2019 funding requested is $1.996 billion up from $1.253 billion in the FY 2018 request.

B-21 Raider, formerly known as the Long Range Strike Bomber (LRS-B) program, is is a new, high-tech long range bomber that will eventually replace a portion of the Air Force’s bomber fleet. The B-21 will be a key component of the joint portfolio of conventional and nuclear capable deep-strike capabilities.. The Air Force plans to procure a minimum of 100 aircraft. The FY 2019 program looks to continue engineering and manufacturing development of the B-21. FY 2019 funding requested is $2.314 billion up from $2.004 billion spent in FY 2018.

The F-22 Raptor is a fifth generation air superiority aircraft fighter. The FY 2019 program continues critical planned modernization for F-22 aircraft via incremental capability upgrades and key reliability and maintainability improvements; continues the evolutionary modernization effort through incremental development phases that enhance the F-22 anti-access/area denial, air superiority and global strike capabilities; continues Increment 3.2B modernization, to include integration of AIM-120D and AIM-9X, additional electronic protection, and improved geolocation; and begins the Sensor Enhancement new start program to upgrade various F-22 sensors to meet advanced threats in 2025 and beyond. FY 2019 funding requested is $867 million down from $015.1 million in the FY 2017 request.

Rotary-wing platforms

The V-22 Osprey is a tilt-rotor, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft designed to meet the U.S. military’s amphibious/vertical assault needs. The FY 2019 program funds the second year of a follow-on seven-year multiyear procurement contract (FY 2018 to 2024), procuring seven CMV-22 aircraft for the Navy. FY 2019 funding requested is $1,280.1 billion up from $961.8 million in the FY 2018 request.

The AH-64E Apache program is a parallel new build and remanufacture effort, which integrates a mast-mounted fire control radar into an upgraded and enhanced AH–64 airframe. FY 2019 program provides funding for the remanufacture of 48 AH-64D aircraft to the AH-64E configuration and 12 New Build AH-64Es in the third year of a five-year multiyear procurement contract (FY 2017 – FY 2021) and continued development of upgrades to enhance operational capabilities. FY 2019 funding requested is $1.271 billion down from $1.442 billion in the FY 2018 request.

The UH-60 Black Hawk is a twin engine, single-rotor, four bladed utility helicopter that is designed to carry a crew of four and a combat equipped squad of 11 or an external load as much as 9,000 pounds. The FY 2019 program funds procurement of 49 UH-60M aircraft in Base and 1 combat loss in OCO, in the third year of a follow-on five-year multiyear procurement contract (FY 2017-FY 2021). Also funds procurement of 18 upgrades of UH-60A helicopters to UH-60V. Total FY 2019 funding requested is $1.420 billion up from $1.059 billion in the FY 2018 request.

UNMANNED PLATFORMS

The U.S. Air Force MQ-1B Predator and the Army MQ-1C Gray Eagle Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) are comprised of aircraft configured with a multi-spectral targeting systems (electro-optical, infra-red (IR), laser designator, and infrared illuminator) providing real-time full motion video, weapons, data links, and ground control stations with communications equipment providing line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight control. The FY 2019 program calls for funding continued development of advanced MQ-1 Payload sensors; procures four Gray Eagle UAS in FY 2019 base funding and six Gray Eagle UAS in Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding to replace three combat losses and three UAS in anticipation of future losses. FY 2019 funding requested is $114.7 million down from $174.4 million in the FY 2018 request.

The U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper UAS program is comprised of an aircraft segment consisting of aircraft configured with an array of sensors to include day/night full-motion video (FMV), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensor payloads, avionics, data links and weapons; a ground control segment consisting of a launch and recovery element, and a mission control element with embedded line-of-sight and beyond-line-of-sight communications equipment. The FY 2019 program funds the continued development, transformation, and fielding of Reaper aircraft and ground stations. The base request includes the procurement of eight UAS, nine dual ground control stations, and continues the modification of MQ-9s to the extended range configuration. The OCO request includes the procurement of 21 additional aircraft, updated multi-spectral sensors, and payload modifications to replace eight combat losses and 13 anticipated losses. The total FY 2019 funding requested is $911.7 billion down from $1.009.9 billion spent in FY 2018.

The U.S. Air Force RQ-4 Global Hawk, Navy MQ-4C Triton, and NATO Alliance Ground Surveillance (AGS) UAS programs provide high altitude long endurance ISR capabilities. The FY 2019 program for MQ-4C funds the procurement of three systems, and continues to fund development activities associated with software upgrades and the multi-intelligence effort. Funding RQ-4 provides for the development and modification efforts for the Block 30, Block 40, Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload (ASIP) Increment II, various sensor enhancements; and the U.S. contribution to the NATO AGS. Total FY 2019 funding requested for these platforms is $1.161.6 billion up from $1.225.3 billion spent in the FY 2018.

The The U.S. Navy MQ-25 Stingray Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) program is rapidly developing an unmanned capability to embark as part of the Carrier AirWing (CVW) to conduct aerial refueling and provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability. The MQ-25 will extend CVW mission effectiveness range and partially mitigate the current Carrier Strike Group (CSG) organic ISR shortfall. As the first carrier-based Group 5 Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), the MQ-25 will pioneer the integration of manned and unmanned operations, demonstrate complex sea-based UAS technologies and pave the way for future multi-mission UAS to pace emerging threats. The MQ-25 was previously funded under the Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program. The program is expected to enter into Engineering and Manufacturing Development(EMD) in the fourth quarter of FY 2018. The President’s Budget request accelerates Initial Operating Capability (IOC) two years to FY 2026. The FY 2019 program begins to ramp-up efforts on the airframe, propulsion, avionics, and payload. Efforts include design, development, integration, fabrication, and testing. It also starts longlead procurement of hardware for four flying and two structural test air vehicles, and increases system engineering on the air vehicle. Total FY 2019 funding requested for these platforms is $684 million up from $222.2 million in the FY 2018 request.

Chassis Plans’ new M2UDA-20 revision controlled, military-grade storage server system can be used for many rugged, computationally-intense military and/or industrial applications, while using limited rack space

San Diego, CA

Designed and built in the USA, Chassis Plans’ new M2UDA-20 revision controlled, military-grade storage server system can be used for many rugged, computationally-intense military and/or industrial applications, while using limited rack space. It meets and/or exceeds MIL-STD-810K and 901D for a range of environmental specifications – extreme high and low temperatures, high altitude, 5% to 05% non-condensing humidity, vibration, bench handling shocks and EMI compliance. See data sheet for details – www.chassis-plans.com/PDF/M2UDA20xx-Datasheet.p[...]

Designed for use worldwide, it is compliant with RoHS, REACH, CE and TAA specifications.

The new M2UDA server has exceptional strength, is low weight, and contains Chassis Plan’s proprietary SysCool® thermal management system. SysCool® extends the life of the computing system, reduces power consumption, and lowers overall system noise levels.

“The new M2UDA server also includes “Revision control” which enables Chassis Plans to maintain control and configuration of all the components within a system for the life of the program, explains Mike McCormack, CEO of Chassis Plans. “In contrast, most commercial server products change components about every 6 months which may mean modifications to the user’s software and applications which can have significant costs for the end user through the lifetime of the system. For DoD customers, Revision Control is vital as many cannot change their software or must maintain the exact configuration of components for the life of the program.”

Assembled in the USA, ISO 9001:2008 Certified and ITAR Registered, the M2UDA server offers a variety of high performance motherboard options and is available with the latest generation Intel processors. It includes 12 2.5 removable drive bays and supports JBOD and high-performance RAID storage options. Specifications can always be customized to fit a customer’s unique application requirements.

More about Chassis Plans

Chassis Plans is a manufacturer of computers, LCD displays, storage arrays that are designed and assembled in the USA for Military and Industrial applications. Chassis Plans was founded in 1997 and has been at the forefront of Rugged and Custom Computer and LCD technology serving the DoD and Industrial markets. All Chassis Plans products are Assembled in the USA, ISO 9001:2008 Certified and ITAR Registered

For further information, visit the Chassis Plans website at www.chassis-plans.com or call 800.787.4913 or email sales@chassisplans.com.

]]>http://tech.opensystemsmedia.com/unmanned-systems/2018/02/chassis-plans-announces-m2uda-20-rugged-military-grade-2u-rackmount-storage-server-with-revision-control/feed/0Global market for military counter-UAV systems will reach $1.223 billion by 2026, says one scenario in market studyhttp://mil-embedded.com/news/global-market-for-military-counter-uav-systems-will-reach-1-223-billion-by-2026-says-one-scenario-in-market-study/
http://mil-embedded.com/news/global-market-for-military-counter-uav-systems-will-reach-1-223-billion-by-2026-says-one-scenario-in-market-study/#commentsMon, 26 Feb 2018 16:41:03 +0000Lisa Daigle, Assistant Managing Editorhttp://tech.opensystemsmedia.com/unmanned-systems/?guid=6b57f65d00e6c37efe1ac47e70be1408According to the report, this number would hold true in what it calls “Scenario 1,” during which the markets develop normally and without significant events. Under a proposed “Scenario 2,” where a successful UAV attack immediately changes the market, the early CAGR for the military C-UAV market spikes to 25.6 percent, but at the expense of growth in later years, with overall spending actually decreasing somewhat.

In terms of technologies, the report — which covers predictions for both the military and civil C-UAV market –expects that detection systems like radar and acoustics will account for about half of the sales in the civil market in Scenario 1, but not in the military market. Under Scenario 2, however, that prediction is different: Political demand will accelerate spending on neutralizers like capture devices and directed-energy weapons. The market study concludes that companies that are well-prepared for a possible UAV attack will both profit and serve their customers while those who are caught by surprise will fare less well.

Also covered in the market research: markey dynamics, segment analysis, regional analysis, and company profiles.

For more information on the “Global Counter-UAV (C-UAV) Systems Market Forecast to 2026″ please visit the ASD Media/Market Forecast website.

]]>http://mil-embedded.com/news/global-market-for-military-counter-uav-systems-will-reach-1-223-billion-by-2026-says-one-scenario-in-market-study/feed/atom/0Power management for laser target designator system won by Lincadhttp://mil-embedded.com/news/power-management-for-laser-target-designator-system-won-by-lincad/
http://mil-embedded.com/news/power-management-for-laser-target-designator-system-won-by-lincad/#commentsThu, 22 Feb 2018 16:14:56 +0000Mariana Iriarte, Technology Editorhttp://tech.opensystemsmedia.com/unmanned-systems/?guid=c107e136909996472444e93ad25c6e30The Type 163 Laser Target Designator has been designed to meet all of today’s special and conventional force Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTACs) and Joint Fires Observer (JFOs) mission requirements for marking and terminally controlling Semi Active Air to Ground weapons accurately onto the target at ranges up to 10km.
]]>http://mil-embedded.com/news/power-management-for-laser-target-designator-system-won-by-lincad/feed/atom/0